The world’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve - Phulay
Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve - will open tomorrow (22 December
2009), in Krabi, Southern Thailand. Set on the shores of the
Andaman Sea, Phulay Bay is a hideaway 54-villa and pavilion
boutique hotel with views of the towering limestone karsts which
make up the beautiful landscape of this part of southern Thailand.
Coupled with sandy beaches, a coastline flecked with more than 200
islands, surrounded by a national forest with rugged rock
formations and hidden waterfalls, Phulay Bay is an ideal holiday
destination.

“Ritz-Carlton Reserve will feature signature,
one-of-a-kind boutique resorts positioned in unique settings, each
with a distinctive personality and sense of place reflecting its
history and culture,” said Simon F. Cooper, president. “A refuge
from the expected, Reserve is for travellers seeking to discover a
singular location and peerless resort that will offer guests’
exotic, hand-selected ‘hideaway’ destinations in a relaxed,
casually elegant atmosphere. Phulay Bay in Thailand is a natural
choice for the first Reserve.”

Nestled on the shore
of the Andaman Sea, the resort is the vision of
in-demand Thai architect Lek Bunnag and features modern styling
and architecture with accents of Thai culture and design to create
a harmonious synergy of luxury and tradition to compliment its
secluded location. Bunnag draws strongly from Thai traditions and
cultural heritage to create an environment where relaxation and
enjoyment are the very bedrock of the guest experience.

The
architecture, landscape, interiors and accessories fuse to create
a marriage of style and design that is completely in keeping with
and tied to the natural environment of the location. Oversized
beds, pillows, chairs, baths and doorways create a sense of
comfort and welcoming that sets the guest at ease and welcomes
them into the resort.

Combining contemporary Thai styling
in the buildings with preservation of the environment, the natural
flora of existing trees and plants relies on the past and
tradition to create something sustainable today and for the
future. The use of traditional Lanna art forms both in
architectural structure and design, as well as paintings and
artworks on the walls and doors of the villas, further create a
contemporary setting that draws on tradition to offer a unique and
luxurious environment and further enlivens the senses.

“When styling and designing Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, we
were very conscious of the abundant natural beauty surrounding us
which is what makes people fall in love with Thailand,” explained
Estelita Sebeto, the resort’s General Manager. “We want guests to
enjoy and discover the extraordinary diversity and beauty in this
part of the country in a setting of relaxation and rejuvenation.
So we have worked with nature to maintain a setting that evokes
the very best of the natural environment of the hotel and sourced
local and sustainable materials in its construction and styling.
We see the resort as an ambassador for the local environment and
for the tradition of the land here in Phulay Bay.”

The sense of arrival will immediately let guests
know they are somewhere special and unique. High aubergine walls
and ‘hedges’ made from indigenous trees create a sense of wonder
from the outside and a great sense of peace and stillness once on
the inside. Guests enter the resort over a stepping-stone walkway
that leads them to a wooden Thai pavilion situated on an island
surrounded by thousands of gently flickering candles.

Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, will offer a sea front
pavilion with private rooftop dining, a signature Thai restaurant
creating traditional Thai cooking in a modern, minimalist setting
using the very best of ingredients and cooking traditions from
Thailand’s southern region. An infinity pool bar will offer soft
loungers and silk pillows by day with lighter more relaxed
culinary offerings, while the resort’s sunset lounge, will offer
day beds, oversized pillows, chill-out lounge bar music and candle
lanterns for a truly intimate and relaxing feel. The perfect place
for a glass of champagne or a stylish martini as the sun sets over
the seemingly endless horizon.

The ESPA at Phulay Bay
promises to be a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation with
stepping stones meandering through the spa leading to decked
walkways and relaxation terraces surrounded by vegetation and
reflection ponds that perfectly capture the unique character of
Phulay Bay. The Spa itself comprises three traditional Thai
pavilions set over two levels offering 11 treatment rooms
including single and couples massage rooms and two VIP treatment
suites.